ABC Exec Confirms Season 12 of GREY'S ANATOMY 'Absolutely Not' Its Last

During a press conference call ahead of its Upfront Presentation today, ABC President Paul Lee revealed that GREY'S ANATOMY will go on, despite the loss of star Patrick Dempsey.

The exec confirmed that Season 12 is "absolutely not" "Grey's" final season, adding, "I would like to see [it] run for many, many years to come." He went on to call the medical drama a "powerful, vibrant" show with an "incredibly passionate" audience.

He also praised the show's creator and writer Shonda Rhimes, gushing, "'Grey's Anatomy' is written by one of the best writers in television. I know she has great plans for next season and many years beyond."

Grey's Anatomy stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, and Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins.

Grey's Anatomy was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes (Private Practice, Scandal). Betsy Beers (Private Practice,Scandal), Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan), Tony Phelan, Joan Rater and Rob Corn are executive producers. Grey's Anatomy is an ABC Studios production.